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Health New England Awards $250,000 to Five Nonprofits

SPRINGFIELD — Health New England awarded $250,000 in grants to five local organizations in honor of Dr. Mark Keroack, former president and CEO of Baystate Health and chair of Health New England’s board of directors. Keroack retired earlier this year after serving in these roles for a decade. The Dr. Mark A. Keroack Health Equity Grant was designed to fund the work of nonprofit organizations advancing equity in healthcare, a passion and priority of Keroack, who served on the committee that chose the winners. The five grantees will receive $50,000 each to fund specific programs. Community Legal Aid’s Pioneer Valley Farmworker Medical-Legal Partnership will embed an attorney from its Central West Justice Center affiliate into the farmworker healthcare team at Baystate Brightwood Health Center, also known as La Cliniquita. Wellspring Community Harvest will expand its Go Fresh Mobile Market’s prescription produce program to Brightwood, Mason Square, and High Street health centers. Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts will develop strategies to ensure equitable, dignified, and quality care for undocumented immigrants and refugees seeking sexual and reproductive health services. Stone Soup Cafe in Greenfield will enhance its weekly Community Meal and Community Store programs. The Care Center’s Healthy Homes, Healthy Families program in Holyoke will provide 10 families headed by low-income women with safe, stable housing; behavioral-health services; healthcare; and a tuition-free education from November 2024 to October 2025.

 

Suffield Pickleball Opens

SUFFIELD, Conn. — Suffield Pickleball officially opened its doors on Jan. 3. The brand-new indoor pickleball club features five courts that can host more than 9,000 players per month. The ownership team intends to host a variety of leagues, clinics, tournaments, and open-play events for players of all skill levels. The courts can also be reserved for private play through the Court Reserve app. Suffield Pickleball features three different membership tiers, as well as a non-member option. Each membership tier varies in pricing and perks, ranging from $400 to $1,000 per year. The business is proud to partner with Joola Pickleball, Six Zero, Franklin, and Hesacore to provide high-quality pickleball equipment and accessories in its fully stocked pro shop.

 

Unemployment Tax Control Associates Earns Certifications

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO), within the Executive Office for Administration and Finance, has officially certified Unemployment Tax Control Associates Inc. (UTCA) as a minority and woman business enterprise (MBE and WBE). The certification was awarded on Dec. 20. UTCA is a nationally recognized expert in the field of unemployment cost control for both corporate, nonprofit, and governmental clients across the nation. The firm was founded in 1990 by CEO Suzanne Murphy.

 

Herrell’s Ice Cream Wins Spectrum Award

NORTHAMPTON — The Spectrum Awards, presented by City Beat News, announced that Herrell’s Ice Cream in Northampton is the winner of this year’s Spectrum Award, which recognizes businesses that promote excellence and go above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service. “I am humbled and honored and very excited for Herrell’s Ice Cream to be recognized,” said Judy Herrell, president of Herrell’s Ice Cream. “Receiving this award is an amazing testament to our fantastic staff who truly go above and beyond for our customers.”

 

NBSB Announces Success of Food, Toy Drives

NORTH BROOKFIELD — In the spirit of season of giving, North Brookfield Savings Bank (NBSB) announced the success of its annual food and toy drives. Due to the overwhelming generosity of community members, employees, and neighbors of NBSB, the food and toy drives made an impact in each of the bank’s communities. During the NBSB annual food drive, held Oct. 1-25, the bank’s communities came together to donate 693 non-perishable food items and more than $1,000 in monetary donations. NBSB contributed an additional $3,000 to further support local food pantries. These donations provide crucial assistance to individuals facing food insecurity. During the annual toy drive, which ran Nov. 1-29, community members, employees, and neighbors stepped up to the plate again, collecting 388 toys for children in need, alongside $1,432 in monetary donations. NBSB contributed an additional $1,500 to support those who need it the most and bring joy to children in the communities it serves this holiday season.

 

ViViYarn Fashion Opens Store in Hampshire Mall

HADLEY — ViViYarn Fashion celebrated its grand opening in the Hampshire Mall on Dec. 17. The new boutique focuses on unique, seasonal clothing for men and women. Current items include cashmere scarves and sweaters in a wide variety of designs and colors. General Manager Shawna Wang has more than 10 years of experience producing high-quality garments for the U.S. and Europe, and is dedicated to providing customers with comfort, elegance, and style at an affordable price.

 

Ximi-V Now Open at Holyoke Mall

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mall recently welcomed its newest store, the trendy Asian household goods retailer Ximi-V, with a grand-opening party on Dec. 21. “Ximi-V believes shopping should be fun, inspiring, and filled with joy,” the mall shared. “They feature something for everyone, from home essentials to creative gifts, including beauty products, household goods, plush toys, jewelry, stationery supplies, and more, bringing style and charm to your everyday life.”

 

Susan B. Anthony Museum Awarded Three Grants

ADAMS — The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum received three grants from the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation for a total of $3,589.28, through its Berkshire Hills Fund for Excellence, Lee Educational Enrichment Fund, and Williamstown Elementary School Endowment Fund programs. This program brings the inspiring story of Berkshire County’s own Susan B. Anthony to students at W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School in Great Barrington, Berkshire Hills Regional School District, Lee Middle and High School and Williamstown Elementary School. Muriel Dyas of Herstorically Speaking reenacts Susan B. Anthony while students complete a timeline of her life, learn about pay inequity, and make a special ballot vote. The event concludes with a ‘votes for women’ march around school grounds complete with suffrage sashes, buttons, and student-made protest signs.

 

Way Finders Receives Grant from KeyBank Foundation

SPRINGFIELD — Way Finders recently received a grant from KeyBank Foundation for $10,000 to implement its Ready to Work: My Story, My Goals program, which provides employment-readiness resources to unemployed and underemployed residents in Hamden County. KeyBank’s funding enables Way Finders to provide a six-week employment-readiness course consisting of in-class instruction and one-to-one support for up to 15 low- to moderate-income residents with limited or no documented work experience. Participants reflect the diversity of Holyoke’s and Springfield’s underserved neighborhoods, where 35% to 80% of the residents identify as people of color and/or Latino or Latina. At the conclusion of the program, each participant will have a résumé and cover letter, understand how to translate their life experiences into marketable skills, improve their digital-literacy skills, conduct a job search and complete an application, and understand area resources and programs that can provide additional and/or ongoing employment support.

 

Bombyx Center Achieves Carbon Conscious Business Accreditation from CET

NORTHAMPTON — Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity has been accredited Carbon Conscious, an award offered by CET, for implementing carbon-cutting measures at the performing-arts venue. This accreditation recognizes Bombyx’s dedication to combating climate change and fostering sustainability. The Bombyx Center is the first organization to achieve CET’s Carbon Conscious Business Accreditation, leading the way for businesses across all sectors to integrate sustainability as a core part of their operations. Its impact of reducing 800 lifetime tons of carbon is equivalent to the yearly carbon sequestration provided by 36,666 mature trees. CET worked closely with Bombyx to implement a range of impactful sustainability measures through both the Mass Save program and RecyclingWorks, a program CET administers for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Custom weatherization services, including pipe insulation and other energy-saving upgrades, were provided to reduce energy loss at the historic former church. Additional efficiency upgrades, such as duct sealing and modifications, further optimized energy use throughout the facility. To tackle waste reduction, CET helped establish a food-waste diversion program in the multi-use kitchen and supported community recycling events, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.

 

Eversource Named Among Most Responsible Companies

BOSTON — For the sixth year in a row, Eversource Energy has been recognized by Newsweek and Statista Inc. as one of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2025. The award highlights the energy company’s environmental, social, and corporate-governance (ESG) initiatives, reaffirming Eversource’s commitment to sustainability throughout its operations and a workplace culture that embraces the values of corporate and social responsibility. The America’s Most Responsible Companies 2025 ranking focuses on a holistic view of corporate responsibility that considers environmental, social, and governance factors. Companies on the 2025 list were selected based on a review of publicly available data and a survey of 26,000 U.S. residents about their perceptions of companies related to corporate social responsibility. Since the annual ranking was introduced in 2019, Eversource has appeared in every edition of the list.

 

 

EDCC Awards Tax Credits to Toasted, Comfort Bagel

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) recently approved projects for participation in the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP), which seeks to create new jobs and help businesses grow by offering credits to lower taxes in exchange for job creation. Locally, the EACC approved two vacant-storefront projects that will each receive EDIP refundable tax credits of $10,000: LaBonte and Banas LLC d/b/a Toasted in Northampton and Comfort Bagel in Westfield. Toasted is a breakfast and lunch restaurant featuring a full café bar with barista drinks. The EACC awarded Toasted $10,000 in EDIP state tax credits, and the business also received a $10,000 municipal grant from the city of Northampton. Comfort Bagel has a shop in Holyoke and is opening a second, larger location in Westfield with its own dedicated kitchen. The EACC awarded Comfort Bagel $10,000 in EDIP state tax credits, and the city of Westfield provided the business with $14,265 in funds through a Community Development Block Grant.

 

MountainOne Participates in Words Are Wonderful Program

NORTH ADAMS — Last month, volunteers from MountainOne attended Williamstown Elementary School’s Words Are Wonderful celebration, a week-long effort dedicated to fostering a love for reading, writing, and creative expression. MountainOne’s team presented their storybook, “How to Climb a Mountain,” and graced students with a special guest appearance from Mo the MountainOne Spokesgoat. Utilizing the school’s ‘buddy reading’ format, 65 sixth-grade students read the storybook to a pre-K, kindergarten, or first-grade student. As the reading session concluded, MountainOne volunteer Ethan Coe tied the story’s themes into real-world lessons on financial literacy. After the reading and discussion, students were invited to meet Mo up close, sharing high hooves and hugs and getting their books signed by Mo. Each student also received an activity packet that included fun financial-literacy exercises and tips on how, with their parents’ or guardians’ help, they can start saving, too.

 

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Women of Impact Nominations

Through Sept. 2: BusinessWest is now accepting nominations for the seventh annual Women of Impact awards. In 2018, BusinessWest created the Women of Impact program as a way to honor women in the region who are making an impact and creating positive change. Women of Impact was chosen as the name for the program because, while nominees can hail from the world of business, they can also emerge from other realms, such as the nonprofit community, public service, law enforcement, education, social work, the mentorship community, a combination of these — in short, we’re recognizing inspirational women on any level. Since its inception, the women honored through this program have been successful, inspiring, and most importantly, impactful. Consider nominating someone for this prestigious award. Nominations for the class of 2024 are due by Monday, Sept. 2 at 5 p.m., and the honorees will be announced in the Oct. 14 issue of BusinessWest. Nominations should be written with one underlying mission: to explain why the individual in question is, indeed, a woman of impact. Visit businesswest.com/women-of-impact-nominations for additional information and a nomination form. The 2024 Women of Impact presenting sponsors are Country Bank and TommyCar Auto Group. For more information, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

 

Super 60 Nominations

Through Sept. 13: The Springfield Regional Chamber announced that nominations are open through Sept. 13 for its annual Super 60 event. This year, Super 60 will continue to honor businesses and nonprofit organizations within Hampden and Hampshire counties that have demonstrated significant achievements and impactful contributions. Winners will be honored at the Super 60 2024 Awards Luncheon on Friday, Nov. 8 at the MassMutual Center. Super 60 seeks to recognize and celebrate businesses that have achieved unprecedented success throughout their tenure and made significant contributions to the region, as well as nonprofit organizations that have displayed selfless dedication to serving the community through exceptional programming and support. This year, the chamber will feature Tania Barber, CEO of Caring Health Center, as its keynote speaker. Barber, honored as the 2023 Richard J. Moriarty Citizen of the Year at the chamber’s 2023 annual meeting, has advocated for eliminating health disparities and achieving health equity for the diverse, multi-ethnic communities in Western Mass. The Super 60 2024 categories are Revenue Award, recognizing companies for total revenue in the last fiscal year; Growth Award, recognizing companies for revenue growth over a consecutive three-year period; Start-Up Award, recognizing companies that have been in business for five years or less; Non-Profit Award, recognizing nonprofit organizations based on the percentage of their total spending dedicated to programs; and Give Back Award, recognizing companies that give back to the community, emphasizing the impact of their charitable work and employee engagement in their efforts. For full eligibility guidelines and to submit a nomination, visit springfieldregionalchamber.com/super60.

 

Willpower Foundation Annual Golf Tournament

Sept. 3: The Willpower Foundation announced its annual golf tournament, set to take place at Orchards Golf Club in South Hadley. The tournament is open to all golf enthusiasts, with a registration fee of $125 per person. Participants will enjoy a round of golf, lunch, and opportunities to win prizes. Proceeds from the event will support the Willpower Foundation’s mission to provide financial support to children and families affected by disabilities. In addition to golfers, the Willpower Foundation is actively seeking sponsors to help offset the costs of the tournament. Sponsorship opportunities range from hole sponsorships to event sponsorships, each offering benefits and recognition. Sponsors will have the chance to showcase their commitment to the community and support a worthy cause. For more information on registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willpowerfoundation.org or email Hayley Procon at [email protected].

 

Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley 30th Annual Golf Tournament

Sept. 7: Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley will host its 30th annual golf tournament starting at 8:30 a.m. at Cold Spring Country Club in Belchertown. Whether a seasoned golfer or just looking for a fun day out, everyone is welcome. For $120, participants will enjoy a round of golf, a box lunch, and the chance to win prizes. Proceeds will directly fund scholarships and grants that empower women and girls to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. Zonta is working to end child marriage, domestic violence, and human trafficking, while also supporting climate justice, education equality, and women in decision-making positions. Sign up at zontaqv.org/golf or call Mary Knight at (413) 323-4806. The organization also welcomes sponsorships from local businesses.

 

Seminar on Terminating Employees

Sept. 11: Elaine Reall, an attorney with the Royal Law Firm, will lead an exploration of the good, the bad, and the ugly surrounding employee terminations. The seminar, which will take place from 8 to 9 a.m. at 33 Elliot St., Springfield, will explore effective strategies to lessen an organization’s exposure to time-consuming administrative agency complaints or legal actions. The first piece of advice: breathe deeply and mentally step away from a ‘personalized’ view of the situation. The cost of the seminar is $30 per person. Payments should be mailed, and checks made payable, to the Royal Law Firm, 33 Elliot St., Springfield, MA 01105. Registration is required, and seating will be limited. Email Heather Child at [email protected] to register or with any questions about the seminar.

 

Downtown Pittsfield Inc. Grand Opening

Sept. 12: Downtown Pittsfield Inc. (DPI) has officially relocated its office location to the heart of downtown Pittsfield at 431 North St., former home of Jan Perry Realty. DPI invites its members and the public to a grand opening and ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. Attendees can enjoy light refreshments and an opportunity to meet DPI staff and board members. The ribbon cutting will be immediately followed by an open house until 5 p.m. DPI is managing the Framework co-working space at 437 North St., offering rentals of semi-private offices, a classroom, and a boardroom to DPI members and the public. Those attending the open house are invited to tour these spaces. Semi-private offices are available for day or monthly rentals. A boardroom rental and multi-use classroom space rental with flexible configurations are available for day rentals with access to a lounge where renters can bring in catering from downtown restaurants.

 

Real-estate Sales Licensing Course

Sept. 16 to Oct. 17: The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will sponsor a 40-hour, 14-class, sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real-estate salesperson license exam. Tuition is $425 and includes the book and materials. The course curriculum includes property rights, ownership, condos, land use, contracts, deeds, financing, mortgages, real-estate brokerage, appraisal, fair housing, consumer protection, Massachusetts license law, and more. Classes meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at the association office, 221 Industry Ave., Springfield. For an application, visit www.rapv.com or contact Laura Herring at (413) 785-1328 or [email protected].

 

Amherst BID Block Party

Sept. 19: The Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) announced its 11th annual block party will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on North Pleasant Street in downtown Amherst. This community event promises an evening of fun, entertainment, and celebration of all things Amherst. The annual block party draws thousands of residents and visitors. This year’s event will feature a lineup of live music and performances, showcasing local talent. Attendees can look forward to aerialists, acrobats, stilt walkers, jugglers, and a variety of street performers that will delight audiences of all ages.

 

Party for a Purpose

Sept. 19: With the goal of making sure Square One’s children have a new, state-of-the-art, outdoor learning and playspace, Friends on a Mission will host its annual Party for a Purpose to raise funds for the playground project at Square One’s Tommie Johnson Child & Family Center in Springfield. Now in its second year, Friends on a Mission started with a trio of friends — Bob Perry, Walter Tomala, and the late Jenn Schimmel — who set out to spend time together while giving back to the community. Their inaugural event held last fall raised more than $38,000 for Make-A-Wish of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. With early sponsorship support from PeoplesBank and Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C., this year’s Party for a Purpose, featuring cocktails, food, and festivities, will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Delaney House in Holyoke. Interested sponsors should contact Perry at (413) 530-3787. For tickets, visit www.startatsquareone.org.

 

Cruise for Critters

Sept. 21: The engines are revving for the much-anticipated Cruise for Critters at Westview Farms Creamery. Now in its 12th year, this car show, presented by Al Widlan, owner of Service Connection, is set to once again make a meaningful impact on the lives of pets in need at Second Chance Animal Services. Widlan has championed this event for over a decade, rallying car enthusiasts and compassionate hearts alike to come together for a worthy cause. This year’s Cruise for Critters promises an array of fall-themed activities for attendees of all ages. A vendor fair will offer unique items of all kinds, and the Halloween Barktacular kids’ games will be back, thanks to dedicated Second Chance volunteers. The festivities are set to kick off at 10 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m., featuring food, ice cream, and an assortment of fall attractions that Westview Farms Creamery is known for, from pumpkin picking to navigating through a corn maze. The event will also include live music by the Barberic Band, a raffle, and more. The event is sponsored in part by Ted and Barbara Hebert of Teddy Bear Pools & Spas and by Joe Campisi, a longtime friend of Second Chance. Organizers extend an invitation to local businesses and vendors to support of pets in need. Information on sponsorship opportunities, item donations, and becoming a vendor can be found at secondchanceanimals.org/events/cruise. The event will welcome spectators free of charge. Car enthusiasts are encouraged to take part in the show by contributing a $20 entry fee per vehicle, with every dollar earmarked for the betterment of pets’ lives. A rain date has been set for Saturday, Sept. 28.

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Cannabis-Industry Training Classes

Starting April 2: The Cannabis Education Center (CEC) at Holyoke Community College (HCC) will be running three cannabis-industry training programs. The CEC’s 12-hour, introductory Cannabis Core course will be held April 2-3 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. each day over Zoom. The Cannabis Core program provides an overview of the cannabis industry in Massachusetts and is geared for people looking for general knowledge as they consider a cannabis career. During four three-hour sessions, students will interact with cannabis experts and guest speakers in reviews of the plant, various cannabis products, the endocannabinoid system, laws and prohibition, growing and plant care, labeling, packaging, testing, employment considerations, and more. The Cannabis Core program is a foundational course and a prerequisite for career track courses. Cannabis Extraction Technician training also begins April 2 and runs through April 23. The course meets weekly on Wednesdays over Zoom from 10 to 11 a.m., supplemented by self-paced online instruction. In this course, students will learn the basic fundamentals needed to work in a cannabis extraction laboratory: how to extract useful molecular components from cannabis and hemp using various techniques, including both solvent and solventless methods. Topics covered include good lab practices, health and safety metrics, extraction techniques, winterization, and dewaxing. Cannabis Culinary Assistant training begins April 19. Classes will meet in person on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through May 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute, 164 Race St., Holyoke. Cannabis culinary assistants are responsible for cooking, baking, and infusing cannabis- or hemp-based products with extracts. The program is a 20-hour introductory course that provides an overview of cooking and baking techniques used to create edibles. The course reviews tools, equipment, food safety, standard recipes, and dosing, and provides discussions on infused oils, sauces, chocolates, ice cream, and more. Cannabis is not used in this program. Participants will be introduced to industry professionals, prepare for employment opportunities, and have the opportunity to earn SERV Safe certification. The cost of the Cannabis Core training is $599. Industry-specific course training is $799. Scholarships may be available to those who qualify. To register, visit hcc.edu/cannabis-core.

 

UMass 5K Dash and Dine

April 9: After a two-year hiatus, UMass Dining Services will host its 11th annual UMass 5K Dash and Dine on campus starting at 9 a.m. The goal of the event is to promote health and wellness at the university while raising funds for the Amherst Survival Center. In total, UMass dining has been able to raise more than $50,000 for the Amherst Survival Center. The 5K features a USA Track and Field certified course to runners, walkers, and wheelchair participants. When race participants are finished, all are welcomed to have lunch at the award-winning dining commons on campus. The race fee is $10 for all UMass and Five College students, $15 for UMass Amherst faculty and staff, and $20 for the general public. Children age 8 and under may participate for free. This race fee includes registration and the complimentary meal. Online registration ends at midnight on Wednesday, April 6. Walk-up registration is available on race day. To register for the event or make a donation, visit runumass.com.

 

MOSSO Chamber Music Series

April 14: The Westfield Athenaeum continues its three-concert chamber music series at 7 p.m., with musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, known as MOSSO, providing the music. A woodwind quintet of MOSSO musicians will be showcased, and Guy McLain, executive director of the Westfield Athenaeum, will offer a pre-performance talk at 6 p.m., which is free to ticket holders. Ann Bobo, principal flute, and Nancy Dimock, principal oboe, will be joined by their colleagues Ian Greitzer, clarinetist, Ron Haroutunian, bassoonist, and horn player Robert Marlatt. The MOSSO season at the Westfield Athenaeum opened on March 10, and will conclude with a concert on May 19, with a program to be announced soon. Tickets for the concert cost $20 and must be purchased in advance at the Westfield Athenaeum during business hours, or online at www.westath.org. Audience members will be required to wear masks.

 

Eggstravaganza at the Zoo in Forest Park

April 16: The Zoo in Forest Park will host its annual Eggstravaganza from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will include grab-and-go stations for children with take-and-make activities, prize-filled Easter eggs, books, and candy while supplies last. There will also be animal encounters and enrichment to allow guests an up-close look at some of the animals, as well as free face painting and visits from Felix the Fox and Andy the Armadillo. Pre-registration is required to attend. No additional tickets will be sold at the door. Registration closes April 11 or when all tickets are sold. To purchase tickets, visit www.forestparkzoo.org/eggs.

 

Springfield Symphony Orchestra Spring Concerts

April 22, May 13: The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) Board announced two spring concerts will be hosted at Springfield Symphony Hall with former SSO Music Director Mark Russell Smith serving as guest conductor. Smith is music director and conductor of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. He previously served as music director for the SSO from 1995 through 2000. He has worked as director of New Music Projects for the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and artistic director of Orchestral Studies at the University of Minnesota, and has also served as music director for the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra. Details about the concerts, program, and availability of tickets will be forthcoming and available at springfieldsymphony.org.

 

Social Justice Awards

April 23: Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services (MLKFS) announced that this year’s Social Justice Awards will honor the organization’s former President and CEO Ronn Johnson, who passed away in January. The organization also announced that the Justice Resource Institute has stepped forward as the first event sponsor. The 2022 Social Justice Awards will continue to be a virtual event this year and will begin at 11 a.m. Michael Weeks, president and CEO of the Providers Council, will be the keynote speaker. This year’s honorees are Barbara Gresham (education), Bishop Bryant Robinson Jr. (lifetime achievement), Bishop Talbert Swan II (race relations), CMSS and Eileen McCaffery (arts and culture), Doris Harris (health advocacy), First Church of Christ in Longmeadow UCC (faith-based initiative), MassHire Springfield and Kevin Lynn (economic development), and Thomas Morrow and Julius Lewis (entrepreneurship). Individuals and organizations interested in supporting Johnson’s work at MLKFS through sponsorship or a donation should contact Lenise Williams at (413) 736-3655 or [email protected], or visit mlkjrfamilyservices.org/donate.

 

Great Golf Escape

April 25: The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (YPS) will host its annual Great Golf Escape tournament at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow. YPS aims to engage the younger demographic in career development, networking, community involvement, recreational and social activities, and more. The cost for this event is $125 for YPS members, $500 for a YPS member foursome team captain, $135 for non-members, and $540 for a non-member foursome team captain. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. There will be prizes and a poker challenge throughout the event. The first-place team will also be able to select a charitable organization to receive a donation from YPS. Registration includes lunch, post-golf dinner, and giveaways. Members can register for the event at www.springfieldyps.com/events. This event is open to the public. However, YPS members will receive a free mulligan, entry into the door-prize raffle, and more. They’ll be offering golfers on-course hospitality, including ice-cream samples from Batch Ice Cream, sponsored by LiftTruck Parts & Service, and craft beer samples from Leadfoot Brewing. Major sponsors for this event include PeoplesBank (presenting sponsor), F45 Riverdale, Marcotte Ford, and the John Glover Insurance Agency. Foursomes and sponsorships are still available by visiting springfieldyps.com/golf or e-mailing [email protected].

 

‘Rewire: Finding Purpose and Fulfillment After Retirement’

April 27: Holyoke Community College (HCC) will present a three-hour, in-person workshop focusing on life after retirement. “Rewire: Finding Purpose and Fulfillment After Retirement” will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development on HCC’s main campus, 303 Homestead Ave. The workshop will be facilitated by former career counselor Barbara Foster. “Retirement is a major life transition, not unlike a major career change” Foster said. “People often fail to consider how they will find purpose and fulfillment in retirement. The average 65-year-old will remain active for 20 years or more after leaving a full-time job. The workshop will assist both pre-retirees and recently retired people to consider how they will spend the 2,000 hours a year they formerly spent at work. This could be volunteering, starting a new business, developing hobbies, seeking part-time work, or new learning experiences.” The workshop will offer a series of exercises and self-assessments, as well as time to reflect, brainstorm with others, and develop goals and a vision for this new chapter of life. Participants will also leave with an extensive list of resources to explore. Space is limited, so advance registration is required. To register, visit hcc.edu/rewire, or call (413) 552-2500 for more information. The cost is $39. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for all workshop participants, and masks must be worn in all HCC campus buildings.

 

Get Hired Job Fair

May 5: Holyoke Mall will host an in-person job fair from 3 to 6 p.m. on the lower level near Macy’s. Sponsored by Valley Opportunity Council, the Get Hired Job Fair is a convenient opportunity for Western Mass. employers to interview and hire workers, and to help job seekers connect with businesses who need their skills. Employers from a variety of industries will be in attendance looking for candidates at all skill levels. Several stores and venues at Holyoke Mall will also be in attendance to fill open positions. The event is free to attend for all job seekers. Employers that have already signed up to staff a table include MGM Springfield, Holyoke Medical Center, Springfield College, Trinity Senior Communities, and Valley Opportunity Council. Employers interested in participating in the upcoming job fair should contact Jim Geraghty, advertising representative for Holyoke Mall, at (617) 840-2998 or [email protected]. For full details regarding the job fair, visit www.holyokemall.com/event/get-hired-job-fair.

 

sheLEADS Conference

May 20: The Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce will host sheLEADS, a woman’s conference aimed at building a bold, brave community of women in the 413 with an eye on professional development and beyond. “This is a high-energy day filled with professional development, relationship- and leadership-building opportunities. Our focus is on providing attendees tools and connections that they didn’t have when they walked in,” said Moe Belliveau, the chamber’s executive director. The day begins at the Boylston Room in Easthampton at noon and ends with networking at Abandoned Building Brewery. In between, attendees can look forward to “Activating Your Leadership Strengths,” facilitated by Colleen DelVecchio of Colleen DelVecchio Consultants; “The Language of Leadership,” a panel discussion featuring Pia Kumar, chief strategy officer at Universal Plastics, Lynnette Watkins, president and CEO of Cooley Dickinson Health Care, and Waleska Lugo-DeJesus, CEO of Inclusive Strategies; and “Be Great Where Your Feet Are,” featuring keynote speaker Robyn Glaser Sr., vice president, Business Affairs for the Kraft Group. For tickets and details, visit www.easthamptonchamber.org.